Natural Dopamine Enhancers for Attention Span & Happiness

Natural dopamine enhancers can increase levels of this catecholamine neurotransmitter that is often called the “feel-good” chemical. These supplements are used to improve symptoms of low dopamine levels, enhance mood and boost focus.

Dopamine is naturally synthesized in the brain from the amino acids phenylalanine and tyrosine. These building blocks are found in many protein-rich foods, but a number of different factors can cause a dopamine deficiency to develop.

Using a natural dopamine booster like an L-Tyrosine supplement can have benefits for executive function, energy levels, libido, sociability, overcoming stress and weight loss. Many prefer the use of natural dietary supplements to prescription pharmaceutical drugs like dopamine agonists and reuptake inhibitors.

How do these supplements work and are there any side effects to be concerned about? Finally, what are the best products to stimulate increased synthesis and release of the dopamine neurotransmitter?

Natural Dopamine vs Dopamine Hydrochloride

Dopamine is produced in two areas of the brain: the substantia nigra and the ventral tegmental area (VTA). Once it is synthesized, most dopamine travels one of four primary pathways to induce multiple effects.

The amino acid tyrosine is converted to natural L-DOPA via the actions of tyrosine decarboxylase.

DOPA is then converted to natural dopamine by aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase, also using the active form of vitamin B6 (pyridoxal phosphate) as a reaction cofactor.

Aside from natural dopamine’s multiple important roles in the brain, it is also the direct precursor of other catecholamine neurotransmitters.

It is used to produce norepinephrine via dopamine beta-hydroxylase. Norepinephrine is then further converted into epinephrine by the enzyme N-methyl transferase.

Natural Dopamine in the Substantia Nigra

As mentioned, dopamine is synthesized inside the brain’s substantia nigra and VTA. It is then used as needed in several pathways that modulate various functions.

The substantia nigra is a secondary structure of a larger group of neurons called the basal ganglia. The basal ganglia is associated with controlling various motor control factors. It is one of three primary processing formations in the human brain.

Natural dopamine travels inside the brain from the substantia nigra where it is produced to the basal ganglia via the nigrostriatal pathway. The basal ganglia has neuronal projections into the brainstem, cerebral cortex and hypothalamus.

Functions controlled by the basal ganglia include motor planning, motor refinement, motor editing, speed and direction. It is also used to regulate emotional responses and habitual behaviors.

Much current research is being dedicated to understanding how natural dopamine affects the basal ganglia’s roles in action selection. It is believed to be responsible for determining which of various possible actions to take in a given situation.

When natural dopamine levels are deficient in the substantia nigra, low dopamine symptoms like impaired movement and lacking coordination may develop. When natural dopamine levels are too high in the substantia nigra, involuntary, uncontrollable movement may result.

When excessive dopaminergic neuronal death occurs in the substantia nigra, Parkinson’s disease symptoms may onset. Parkinson’s disease is a progressive nervous system disorder that causes movement disorders.

Natural Dopamine in the VTA

Natural dopamine is also produced in the ventral tegmental area of the mesencephalon (midbrain). From the VTA, dopamine travels to the limbic system via the mesolimbic pathway.

The mesolimbic system is also thought to regulate addiction and psychosis.

Natural dopamine produced in the VTA may also travel the mesocortical pathway which leads to the dorsolateral frontal cortex.

This dopamine pathway is important for providing motivation, responsibility and planning – and determining priorities. It is also involved with modulating emotional responses to given stimuli.

Dopamine deficiencies in the mesocortical pathway may cause depression and attention-deficit disorders. This area of the brain is linked to so-called Executive Function, which related to motivation, concentration and our ability to pursue goal-oriented behavior.

Natural Dopamine in the Hypothalamus and Pituitary Gland

The tuberoinfundibular pathway transports natural dopamine from the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus to the pituitary gland.

Via this pathway, dopamine is able to suppress lactation by inhibiting a hormone called prolactin. When this dopamine pathway is inactive, lactation is stimulated.

Natural Dopamine Enhancers

Supplements can be used to naturally increase dopamine production in the brain. These supplements work by increasing the availability of dopamine precursors and cofactors.

Phenylalanine is an amino acid that is used to make L-Tyrosine. You will find Phenylalanine in beverages like Coke and other sodas. Milk, other dairy products, certain nuts, chicken, fish and meat are all good sources of this amino acid.

Phenylalanine supplements are used as natural dopamine boosters, but they are not as effective as L-tyrosine because they are one step higher on the metabolic pathway that results in dopamine synthesis.

L-Tyrosine powders and pills have become more popular recently as a way to fight signs of dopamine depletion and to correct deficiencies. As a natural dopamine precursor, Tyrosine is safe to use, though it may interact with medications like MAOIs and other dopaminergic drugs.

However, L-Tyrosine is rate-limited in its conversion to L-DOPA. This means that it does not cause significant increases to dopamine levels immediately and some individuals find that its effects are not strong enough.

In these cases, Mucuna Pruriens can be used. Mucuna seed extract is a natural source of L-DOPA, which is the immediate precursor to dopamine. When consumed, this herbal extract increases dopamine levels in the brain to a greater degree than L-Tyrosine.

This also comes with a warning of increased risk of side effects. Some find this supplement to be over-stimulating and it should not be used for long periods of time. However, it is the strongest option available when looking for natural dopamine enhancers.

Conclusions

Natural dopamine is made inside of the brain and used there to accommodate various integral body and brain functions.

Serious health conditions can result from chronically low or high dopamine levels. Most people are believed to be deficient in natural dopamine, at least to some degree.

You can raise dopamine levels naturally by choosing high-protein, low-sugar foods. It is also important to engage in regular physical activity. Most health professionals recommend at least 30 minutes of semi-strenuous exercise each day.

Effective stress management and avoiding pollutants is also very helpful for raising dopamine levels naturally.

Mucuna pruriens or Tyrosine supplementation can also increase natural dopamine concentrations. Be aware that tyrosine and mucuna can induce certain stimulatory effects and may exacerbate the effects of other stimulatory substances.

Do not use tyrosine or mucuna pruriens extract to increase natural dopamine production if you take MAOIs, thyroid hormone or antihypertensive medications.

It is always best to seek medical advice before trying to lower or raise your dopamine levels. Slight alterations in natural dopamine concentrations can yield significant physical and mental effects.

WHAT IS IT: Dopamine, or Hydroxytyramine, is a compound produced in the body that acts as a neurotransmitter in the brain and central nervous system. It is synthesized in the body from the precursor L-Dopa which is made in the brain and kidneys. It is a precursor of other neurotransmitters including Epinephrine and Norepinephrine.

HOW IT WORKS: In the brain, Dopamine acts as an excitatory neurotransmitter that is primarily involved in mediating desire, motivation, and reward-motivated behaviors. It also is involved in motor control and the release of various hormones. Dopamine acts outside the central nervous system as a local chemical messenger involved in gastrointestinal motility and vasodilation.

WHAT IT AFFECTS: Dopamine is primarily involved in movement, motivation, and memory. Low Dopamine levels have been associated with lack of motivation, depression, inability to experience pleasure, fatigue, mood swings, addictive behaviors, memory loss, and forgetfulness.

SUPPLEMENTS USED: Dopamine precursors are used to increase levels of this neurotransmitter in the brain. Other supplements may work by boosting activity at dopamine receptors or promoting the synthesis of this chemical messenger.

L-TYROSINE: L-Tyrosine is an amino acid that is a precursor for Dopamine. It is used to increase Dopamine levels by providing more raw materials necessary for its synthesis.

Dosage: 500-2000 mg per day, 2-3 times per day.

Side Effects: Nausea, Vomiting, Diarrhea, Nervousness.

MUCUNA PRURIENS: Mucuna pruriens has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for hundreds of years to increase Dopamine. It contains L-Dopa which is used to synthesize Dopamine.

Dosage: 500-1000 mg per day.

Side Effects: Bloating, Nausea, Vomiting, Headache, Sleeplessness.

RHODIOLA ROSEA: Rhodiola rosea extract works in the body by modulating the enzyme monoamine oxidase. This enzyme metabolizes Dopamine. When it is inhibited, Dopamine synthesis increases.

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